David Copperfield contains a theme around the beginning of the book that is a very strong genre of love- parental love. Many other forms of love are also touched upon, such as love being lost and being found again (we see this with David's mother losing her husband then later finding Mr. Murdstone).
But we also see how love can clash, when David's mother becomes manipulated by what Mr. Murdstone thinks is best for David and her love for both David and Mr. Murdstone seem to be placed head to head. An example of this is when Mr. Murdstone tries to flog David, his mother 'ran towards us' described as 'burst[ing] out crying'.
As David's mother is torn from him by Mr. Murdstone we see Peggotty stepping up and assuming a very motherly role with David. As they share a tear-filled conversation through the keyhole of the door locking them apart (p.57). As Peggotty calls David 'my own precious Davy', 'pretty poppet', and 'my darling' with what is described as 'infinite compassion'.
As David is taken away to school, Peggotty stops the cart on its journey bursting 'from a hedge' and embracing David, bringing him 'paper bags of cakes which she crammed into [his] pockets'. This shows us how Peggotty has practically stepped up to fill in the motherly role with David as his mother is no longer able to show such affection anymore. This can demonstrate how manipulating and truly controlling love can be as Mr. Murdstone has tried to cut away Clara's motherly bond with David- one of the strongest bonds possible. We also see how reckless love can make people as Peggotty's actions are both motherly yet passionate, taking some risk as she follows the cart to deliver David cakes as he leaves.
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